Pro tip: a $25 moisture meter saved a $4,000 walnut slab last week

I was about to start milling a beautiful piece of air-dried walnut for a client's vanity top. The guy I bought it from in Asheville swore it was ready. My old meter gave a green light, but the new one I bought on a whim showed a 4% spike in the core. Letting it acclimate in the shop for another month was the right call. Anyone have a favorite meter they trust for figured woods?

3 comments

3 Comments

gray_carter9620d ago

My old Lignomat gave me a 9% reading on some maple last year, but the pinless Wagner I borrowed from a buddy found a 16% pocket right where I planned a joint. I still sweat thinking about that close call lol.

king.andrew20d ago

That's the exact reason I double-check with a second method now. I was building a walnut table last fall and my pin meter said 8% all over, but the board still felt heavy. I left it in the drying room for two more weeks and it dropped another 3%. Makes you trust your gut as much as the tool.

perry.phoenix20d ago

Trust your gut" is so true. My pin meter lied about some cherry once.